Ryan Heath

Emergency Management Director - Chief of Police

Todd MacDougall

Emergency Management Deputy - Police Lieutenant

Ryan Ridley

Emergency Management Deputy - Fire Chief

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION

During an emergency the first information released will be for the protection of life and property such as evacuation routes and sources of emergency assistance. More general information will follow, such as what steps are being taken and the areas of town affected.

Alton residences could get "Official" information from the following sources depending on the type of Emergency. Please be aware the type of emergency situation and the public utilities affected will determine what means of communication are available to use:

Must be in cage - bring food - will be housed in a designated shelter area. Please call to determine availability.

Special Needs:

Infants, elderly deaf, blind or any other medical, physical or behavioral needs must be communicated during sign in.

Shelter Rules:

Sleeping areas will be quiet at all times.

Sign in and out every time persons enter or leave shelter.

NO FIREARMS or WEAPONS of any kind.
NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
NO SMOKING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Items Allowed:

Cell phones, computers, IPods, playing cards, games, books etc. Shelter may be used for shower and meals during operating hours.
An alternate shelter is at the senior center on Pearson Road could be established depending on the type of emergency.

Transportation to shelter will be provided for those who need it on a case by case basis.

PETS & ANIMAL CARE

When Alton's Emergency Management Team opens a Family Shelter: you will be able to bring your domestic household pet to the shelter;

WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS!

Your pet must be in a cage of kennel.

You must bring your own food, bowls and blankets.

UNDERSTAND

Your pet will be in an animal care area, away from human areas with restricted access.
If you don't show proof of vaccinations, your pet will be isolated.

Below are some useful tips.

Pet Survival Kit:(For dogs, cats and other small domestic pets)

Make sure your pets are wearing proper identification: a collar with emergency tags (your name and your pet's, home address & phone number, and your out-of-state contact number). A microchip is good proof of ownership if you know where your pet is, but may not be detected when the pet is found.

Familiar toy or chews (pets under stress will welcome a familiar item)

Pet First-Aid Kit (available at pet stores or your vet)

Twin-sized blanket

Pet Documents (sealed I a zip lock bag)

Copy of dog license

Copy of rabies vaccination certificate

Pet medical records

Pet photos (front and side views for positive identification: include and distinguishing markings or scars

Be sure to rotate all medications, food and water to keep them fresh. These items should be stored in a plastic tub and sealed with duct tape.

Most importantly, you need to plan in advance, practice your plan and keep it updated!

Horses, Cattle and other Livestock:

Your emergency supply kit should include items such as:

halters

lead ropes

blankets

shipping boots

food

water

food and water buckets

health records

identification records

first-aid kits for humans and animals

grooming supplies

garbage bags

Identify and secure, "well in advance" several possible boarding locations locally and out-of-state.
Be sure to have a trailer reserved for emergency use, if you do not have one, or if yours is not in good repair.

EMERGENCY PLANNING AND CHECKLISTS

Now that you've learned about what can happen and how your community is prepared to respond to emergencies, prepare your family by creating a family disaster plan. You can begin this process by gathering family members and reviewing the information you obtained in Section 1.1 (hazards, warning systems, evacuation routes and community and other plans). Discuss with them what you would do if family members are not home when a warning is issued. Additionally, your family plan should address the following:

Escape routes.

Family communications.

Utility shut-off and safety.

Insurance and vital records.

Special needs.

Safety Skills

Escape Routes

Draw a floor plan of your home. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from each room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Post a copy of the drawings at eye level in each child's room.

Where to Meet

Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. Record the locations below:

Where to meet near the home:
(For example, the next door neighbor's telephone pole)
Where to meet outside the immediate area:
(For example, the neighborhood grocery store parking lot)

FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.

Complete a contact card for each family member. Have family members keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child to keep on file. Pick a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe.

UTILITY SHUT-OFF AND SAFETY

In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home.

Below is some general guidance for shutting off utility service:

Modify the information provided to reflect your shut off requirements as directed by your utility company(ies).

Propane

Propane leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off propane.

Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, it is important to contact your local propane company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home.

When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information with everyone in your household. Be sure not to actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure.

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the propane company from a neighbor's home.

Water

Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve.

Preparing to Shut Off Water:

Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house. It may look like the sample pictured here.

Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rusted open, or it may only partially close. Replace it if necessary.
Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure all household members know where it is located.

Electricity

Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.

Preparing to Shut Off Electricity:

Locate your electricity circuit box.
Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.

INSURANCE AND VITAL RECORDS

Obtain property, health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Review existing policies for the amount and extent of coverage to ensure that what you have in place is what is required for you and your family for all possible hazards.

Flood Insurance

If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to reduce your risk of flood loss. Buying flood insurance to cover the value of a building and its contents will not only provide greater peace of mind, but will speed the recovery if a flood occurs. You can call 1 (888) FLOOD29 to learn more about flood insurance.

Inventory Home Possessions

Make a record of your personal property, for insurance purposes. Take photos or a video of the interior and exterior of your home. Include personal belongings in your inventory.

Store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records, and other important papers in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box away from your home. Make copies of important documents for your disaster supplies kit. (Information about the disaster supplies kit is covered later.)

Money

Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or traveler's checks at home in a safe place where you can quickly access them in case of evacuation.

SPECIAL NEEDS

If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.

Disability/Special Need Additional Steps
Hearing impaired May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.
Mobility impaired May need special assistance to get to a shelter.
Single working parent May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies.
Non-English speaking persons May need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed.
People without vehicles May need to make arrangements for transportation.
People with special dietary needs Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.

Planning for Special Needs

If you have special needs: Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided. 875-0757 Telco #
Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
Discuss your needs with your employer.
Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals, and any other items you might need.
Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.
Safety Skills It is important that family members know how to administer first aid and CPR and how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn First Aid and CPR Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides, under the "good Samaritan" law, protection for those giving first aid. Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguisher(s) and where it is kept. You should have, at a minimum, an ABC type.

ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days.

Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.

Kit Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles.

Home Work Car
Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days.

Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks. This kit should be in one container, and ready to "grab and go" in case you are evacuated from your workplace.

Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances. In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.

Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account:
Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
A medical emergency might require additional water.
How Should I Store Water?

To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it.

Observe the expiration or "use by" date.

If you are preparing your own containers of water

It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container with water.

If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles - not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.

If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps

Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.

Filling water containers

Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water.Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place.Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.

Food

The following are things to consider when putting together your food supplies:
Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on hand. (Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener.)
Include special dietary needs.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit:
Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day.
Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
Matches and waterproof container.
Whistle.
Extra clothing.
Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
Cash and coins.
Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
Other items to meet your unique family needs.
If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:
Jacket or coat.
Long pants.
Long sleeve shirt.
Sturdy shoes.
Hat, mittens, and scarf.
Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).
Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes.

Maintaining Your Disaster Supplies Kit

Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:
Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.